{ Love Is War. A Battle. Love is Madness }
~~
A faint breeze swirled around her, making her lashes flutter and her hair to sway as she gazed calmly — almost blankly at the short message on her screen.
« Are you free? Come pick me up » — Herman.
She didn't expect such a text from him, that of this sort, one trifling and almost silly.
Might be playful, even.
He, Herman Ross was a man who must have people ready at his command. He wasn't a child too who needed welcome.
So what was this?
She asked the exact question and he replied after a minute or two.
«Just do it. We haven't seen each other in weeks. Come now.»
Well, an airport wasn't really a place for natters. Shouldn't he just meet her at home?
This time, she didn't question him any further.
She sighed and decidedly left the gate.
The airport wasn't that far off, she could reach there in thirty minutes or so.
She wasn't actually free.
She was supposed to leave for the restaurant but well...
She rubbed her forehead and shrugged it off.
It was no problem. She wasn't a person who liked giving excuses but she might as well do it for the first time in a while.
She boarded a cab.
As it drove, she glazed out the window.
The roads were not busy. A few cars passed occasionally with low hums and jolts and quite some screeches from those who wanted to show off.
The weather was normal, the kind of everyone liked. The sky blue and pale, bright and shiny with the air carrying a scent of calm and peace.
It made one want to inhale and submit to a state of reduced consciousness.
Not that Rena wished to.
She wasn't so reckless.
She leaned closer, not to see more figures or objects that would pose no interest but to relax her limbs.
She wasn't tired, just apathetic.
But as she rested to seek a momentary comfort, the car bobbed as it turned into a path, only to slowly stop the next minute.
"Miss, we have a problem." The driver informed.
Rena's eyes glommed ahead to find what the issue was.
The driver continued as she did so. "The road is blocked."
It was indeed so.
Yellow tapes and 'do not cross' signs were lined across to halt passages.
Infront were three cars bumped together, debris, blood and a transparent liquid flowing on the ground.
The liquid gave off a smell that would make any nose scrunch.
It was fuel. Petrol.
Ambulances were at the scene aiding the victims into the vehicles while the officers present were trying to prevent the ominous dangers that might occur.
Rena turned to him. "Isn't there another way?"
She knew there must be.
"There is but it would take much longer."
She could tell his concerns.
She paused, then said out with hesitation. "... It's okay, I would increase the pay."
It was a hard decision for her.
Saving money was a top priority in her book.
She only hoped Herman did have a reason, at least one acceptable in seeking for her.
Albert it was unlikely but the thought did help in soothing her ache.
The cab reversed but it took quite some time to escape the vehicles that had desisted behind.
When it reached the airport, nearly fifty minutes had passed.
Rena stepped out and swiftly went straight to the terminal.
Herman had already sent his flight details many minutes ago so she was sure what his terminal was.
«I'm here. Where are you?»
She glanced around.
The airport smelt of seemingly jet fuel, recycled air and cleaning products.
It felt too chemical, too artificial.
Even the opened windows forcing natural air couldn't cease that.
People were moving to and fro. It wasn't holiday season but the space still was crowdy.
She looked carefully.
Even with the numerous bodies and faces, she was certain she could find Herman.
How could she not?
She have been dating him for nearly nine months, it did be queer if she couldn't.
But as she did, as she observed, the message awaited came in.
«Have you arrived? I've left»
"!"
«What?»
She was stunned.
«It's an hour since I last texted. I thought you wouldn't be coming»
Then why he didn't notify her?
She frowned a little, swallowed her frustration and tucked her phone back.
It was no use lamenting over spilled milk. She had a job waiting for her. She had to leave.
But as she made to move, to set forth, she felt a pair of eyes pierce at her back.
It was so scorching she couldn't help but stop.
What was that?
She felt herself freeze.
People were yet moving as usual. It wouldn't be weird if anyone did glimpse at her.
But that ...
That intense? That fervent?
She felt an uncontrollable nervousness but forcing control, breathing out, she turned and walked out of the place.